I’ll never forget the thoughts that crept into my mind when my friend – a former military personnel – described the emergency go-bags she has packed and ready for each family member (including her children) in the event of an emergency. I quickly realized that not have an emergency plan for my family is, in fact, a plan – and it’s a very foolish one.

My husband and I both grew up in suburbs with ample storage space in basements and pantries. We also remember the collective fear that rose during the New York City Blackout of 2003 and when Hurricane Sandy hit Queens. During our Sandy volunteer efforts – we were shocked to see warming stations still present months after the devastation – and we couldn’t believe the amount of time that it took for some to have their power restored.

Like most New Yorkers, our living space is pretty tight. And while we don’t have the sort of room for supplies like we did during our childhoods we do have reassurance in knowing that an expertly packed VLES GO-bagwith emergency supplies is tucked away and ready to go. The bag, designed by husband and wife firefighters and EMTs allows you to leave your home in an instant, prepared with your most important items, fully stocked with first aid and emergency supplies in a water-resistant, multi-carry – functional bag designed for disasters.

One of the most useful tools for me, as a mother, is the included Readiness Playbook which gives me the tools to outline a solid emergency plan with essential documents and personal supplies.

While I can’t succumb to living in fear, with everything that is going on in our world – I can have an action plan in place – providing a layer of security in being as prepared as one can be should an unexpected emergency strike.

When life seems to be in disarray – there are a few things that I try to keep organized – my bedroom, my work space, and my go-to bag. Now and then, I connect with a band that meshes perfectly with my life. I’m currently on year four of packing my days into Lily Jade designer diaper bags, and I’m absolutely a loyalist. Even though I no longer have tiny babies, I love how the bags have proven to evolve along with the changing shape of motherhood – making them suitable for anyone who craves functionality, quality and versatile style in her bag.

The backpack carry option is among the features that I love most about Lily Jade – taking the strain off of my shoulders and neck on days when I’m traveling all over the city. All of Lily Jade’s backpack diaper bags convert to a handbag or messenger carry option, and the removable baby bag (with 12 pockets!) keeps things organized and secure. My current new favorite is Lily Jade’s Rosie. The beautiful structure, super luxe leather, and multiple carry options set it apart from any bag that I’ve every owned.

Once packed with sippy cups and pull ups – my Lily Jade bags now safely carry cameras, delicate lenses, my laptop, (sometimes kid’s stuff!) and more – making it suitable for the baby years and beyond.

Lily Jade is generously giving away a $350 credit to cover the cost of one lucky winner’s diaper bag of choice! Just leave a comment on this blog post and then enter the giveaway over on our Instagram (post below!). xo

We just returned from an exciting trip with Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, and can’t wait to share the incredible things that will soon come to Disney parks! Since this was a work and play trip combined, I remembered a few helpful family travel tips for parents on the go, to help streamline the process of traveling with kids.

If Capable, Have Kids Carry Their Gear

I can’t stress enough how important it is to begin this step early! Whether you’re heading to the beach or getting on a plane, help teach kids accountability by having them carry their backpacks or push a small carry on suitcase through the airport. Keep the size and weight manageable and stick to this expectation on every excursion.

Pick your Mom (or Dad) Bag Wisely

During my hunt for a reliable bag, I couldn’t believe how many brands decided to omit external pockets designed to hold water bottles. I’ve learned to keep my electronics and expensive camera lenses far away from liquids, and have found a solution in sticking with diaper bags. All of our favorite bags (find great tips on findingthe perfect diaper bag here!) are super stylish and modern and in no way scream baby bag! And best of all, they offer, secure places to store large water bottles, stash away valuables, and even tuck in camera lenses. We need solid compartments galore with comfort and functionality. I’ve also often gone for neutral colors so my husband can carry the bag when needed.

Print and Color Code Calendars

As much as we try to rely on digital calendars, there is nothing like having a clear and concise calendar in a visible spot to keep the entire family informed. On our recent trip, I was required to be in different places than my husband and kids on most days. A color-coded calendar allowed the kids and my husband to see exactly what was expected of me, and where they’d find pockets of free time along with scheduled family events.

Clear Compartments are your Friend

When a nine-day trip required two hotel changes and a switch to a cruise line, our packing game left something to be desired. I did, however, pick up an assortment of clear travel pouches from a local discount store. Having things visibly organized helped a ton! From medications, make-up, electronic chargers, my daughter’s hair accessories, to sunblock and more – not having to search for things saved time while on vacation.

Plan For the Last Day

The final day of vacation is always a drag as it’s time to pack up, head to the airport and face reality! My husband and I gave each other a look when we passed the exact spot in the Orlando airport where we experienced total family chaos just nine months prior, as we tried to rearrange suitcase weights and find warm clothes for the kids. We learned from our mistakes and laid out the kids’ travel clothes the night prior, also packing everything away as concisely as possible. TIP! If you’re leaving a cruise ship, skip the breakfast and order room service the NIGHT BEFORE. As long as the Thermos top is tightly secured, your coffee will be piping hot in the morning, AND you’ll save precious time getting your family off the ship.

Hope these tips are helpful and have fun on your next adventure!

This post is sponsored by Quidsi. However, all opinions and travel tips are my own.

We all want our children to travel in the safest way possible – yet over the years some readers have found price points of various car seats and strollers shared on Marino Bambinos to be unobtainable. We absolutely understand! That’s one of the many reasons that we were eager to meet with the team at Graco (a brand that we’ve never previously partnered with) to learn all about their top-rated, innovative, safe and affordable gear for tots. We’re excited to giveaway a Graco Breaze Click Connect Stroller as well as share the scoop on the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat – that keep little ones safely riding in the rear-facing position longer.

As most of you know, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that tots travel in the rear-facing position in a vehicle until at least two years of age. And one of the most common reasons for parents turning their little ones from rear to forward facing positions earlier than recommended is due to a perceived lack of leg room. Graco has tackled this safety issue with their innovative Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seatwith a three-position extension panel that pulls out to provide 5″ (yes 5″!) of extra legroom when rear facing.

With a six-position recline, kids up to 50lbs can be comfortably adjusted to travel in the rear-facing position. That’s not all, the seat functions as three seats in one for rear-facing infants 4-50 lbs., forward facing toddlers 22-65lbs., and big kids 30-100lb. We just transitioned our youngest (six years, 40lbs) into the high-back booster position, and he still has room to grow in this seat. In addition to a ton of convenient features, (fuss free harness storage to tuck buckles away, dual cup-holders, straightforward LATCH system, and more) this car seat, most importantly, has a robust safety profile. And it’s available at a great price point (MSRP $249.99).

Frequent travelers understand the cyclical nature of perpetual packing and unpacking, and perhaps never fully emptying those travel bags. Adding kids to the mix instantly requires an improvement of one’s organizational game. I’ve been traveling several times per month for quite some time now. Whether I’m solo on a train, traveling in the car with my husband, or with the kids in tow; I’ve learned that a great versatile bag is an absolute must. Despite the kids being well out of diapers, I’ve come to rely on the multiple pockets and organizational structure of a few great diaper bags (that don’t scream baby bag!). Black and white and monochrome have certainly had their day in the baby-gear arena, but we’ve been crushing on a hue that falls distinctly between the two. When 7AM ENFANT rolled out their palette-pleasing Heather Grey collection and sent us a bag to test, we knew it would be a hit among families like ours who love having functional things suitable for the entire family.

Longtime fans of the Voyage bag, now both my husband I can head out in its latest color. The helpful thing about this bag is the zipper running across the top of the bag, and along both sides. When unzipped, the back portion folds completely down (so you can see everything). No need to worry about finding that lost paci or missing microscopic Shopkin inside that fully packed family bag. The interior zipper lined pockets safely store the important stuff. And sippy cups and bottles can be secured in an upright position to their designated spots – without having a dreaded liquid spill.

This bag is super light (and soft!) and comes with an insulated lunchbox, a separate zippered pouch and a plush diaper changing pad.

Can you see why it’s become our universal favorite?

Check out 7AM ENFANT’s entire Heather Grey Collection here. If you have a baby, their snugly footmuffs are an absolute must, along with a pair of WarMMuffs to keep mama’s hands warm.

As historic heaps of snow clobbered upon our city, we too joined in the snow-play mid-storm. The children were bundled up like mini sumo wrestlers because I still go a bit overboard in securing their warmth in frigid temps. And now, as we trudge to school in Blizzard Jonas’ aftermath, I can’t help but be halted by memory lane, much like an internal version of Facebook’s ‘time hop’ feature. The kids, in their snow boots and waterproof mittens, would much rather propel off every snow mound in site – rather than stay the course that I keep re-directing them too. And although it was eight years ago when I carefully tucked my winter-baby into her Bugaboo stroller and toasty Footmuff to walk to the pediatrician’s office for the first time – I can remember the details of that snowy day as if it were yesterday.

Cocooned in warmth, both of my babies would fall asleep during our winter walks, and even if I felt cold – I’d rest assured knowing they were warm. I love how the Bugaboo Footmuff can be zipped open from both sides to make sure baby doesn’t overheat when you finally have the chance to warm up in a coffee shop or stop indoors mid-stroll. The water repellent material and bamboo charcoal fiber also wick away moisture to keep little ones dry and comfy.

The microfleece fabric comes in fifteen great colors, and is super easy to secure and remove with a Velcro slit opening that fit all Bugaboo stroller seats. We’re so excited to partner with Bugaboo to keep a sweet baby warm this winter!